Ruto spells out new directive to IG Kanja over goons’ menace
By William Muthama, December 1, 2025President William Ruto has issued a firm directive to Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to launch decisive action against individuals accused of deploying young people to instigate violence, saying the era of political hooliganism must come to an end.
Addressing the graduation of 1,837 officers at the National Police College, Embakasi ‘A’ Campus on Monday, December 1, 2025, Ruto stressed that the government will not allow any group or leader to destabilise communities through chaos or threats.
He said Kenya’s security agencies have a duty to uphold public order and that those using youths as weapons of intimidation must be held accountable under the law.
“Wale ambao wanatumia vijana kama wahuni, watu wanaotumika kuleta fujo, kupiganisha wananchi na kuleta maafa hatuwezi kukubali. Nimeshaeleza Inspector General kwamba hao watu wote lazima wachukuliwe hatua kali za kisheria ili tukomeshe,” Ruto said.
Ruto noted that Kenya remains anchored on constitutional order, insisting that “any person who sends young people to cause chaos or harm citizens will face firm legal consequences,” underscoring his directive to IG Kanja to eliminate rising hooliganism.
Clash at Kariobangi church
The president’s remarks came barely 24 hours after a violent confrontation erupted during a Thanksgiving service at PCEA Church in Kariobangi North on Sunday, November 30, 2025.
The event, attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, descended into chaos after rival youth groups armed with crude weapons clashed within the church compound.
According to police, at least six people were injured and required medical attention following the altercation.
Following the incident, Gachagua accused the government of sponsoring the violence to intimidate residents who had rejected a UDA candidate in recent by-elections.
“We have reached a point in the Republic of Kenya where William Ruto wants to force us to support him through intimidation. He has sent goons and police to assault the people of Kariobangi North simply because they did not elect a UDA candidate,” Gachagua said.
His remarks reignited a political blame game, with competing camps trading accusations over the Kariobangi chaos.
Murkomen warns politicians
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also weighed in, expressing concern over the growing trend of politicians mobilising armed groups to accompany them to public events.
He said these groups move around, wielding machetes, rungus and other crude weapons, posing a serious threat to public safety.
“There is a phenomenon that has grown in the country, perpetuated by political leaders who mobilise goons to cheer for them. They carry rungus and machetes. What happened here in Nairobi cannot be condoned. Those responsible shall be dealt with and face the law,” he said.
Murkomen insisted that the government will deal with all perpetrators without fear or favour, adding that eliminating political goons will be a priority in the coming months.